Some academic administrators have long felt that colleges are too much influenced by specialized accrediting agencies. Under pressure to control costs and improve general education, some are attempting to limit the agencies' authority. Proponents say accreditation is needed and conflict is inherent in the system. (MSE)

A historical correlation of the five C's (communication, culture, connections, comparisons, communities) of the national foreign-language standards is explored. The rich tradition in "Hispania" details how the standards of today were preliminarily addressed in the past and woven onto the fabric of our educators. (Author/VWL)

To educate themselves, a group of 16 Massachusetts school leaders has devoted an afternoon monthly during the past year to examining, describing, and wondering about student work. The Collaborative Assessment Conference protocol has revealed that educators hold different, often contradictory, assumptions about teaching and learning. (MLH)

The demand for higher graduation requirements for high school students presents a challenge for career and technical teacher educators as they equip preservice teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to meet new goals. Exemplary teacher education programs are focusing on meeting state standards and linking with industry. (Author/JOW)

Describes the changes in mathematics classrooms since the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards have been proposed and the difficulties those changes pose for students with reading and writing problems. Offers specific suggestions for preparing students for mainstreaming into regular math classes and for providing the supports…

A Delphi panel of 19 technology teachers/administrators reached consensus on 25 quality indicators for technology education. Similarities with a Maryland study and with the Technology for All Americans project were found. Results may be used to establish program benchmarks. (SK)

Examines the status of Broward County (Florida) Public Schools high school students, who must satisfy the district's algebra requirement in order to graduate. Data indicate that the majority of district students are meeting the new, higher standards; 80% of seniors in school year 1998-99 had previously completed the algebra requirement. (MLH)

Explains how and why the economics concept "value added" came to be used in an educational context, focusing on early usage in the United Kingdom. The term has been developed, used, and defined in various, conflicting ways. Some ambiguities cannot be eliminated. Value-added effectiveness measures involve value judgments. (44 references)…

Contends that debates over coeducation have given rise to a growing literature that tends to focus on a few generalizations, rather than on the methodological weaknesses of these generalizations and the normative character of the proposed practical conclusions summarized under the term "reflexive education." Discusses these problems in detail.…

Describes development and implementation of a common assessment grid for grading second- and third-year students at the School of Business of Oxford Brookes University (England). Although the grid failed to provide comprehensive grading criteria, it succeeded in other purposes such as providing students with better guidance, easier moderation, and…

Discussion of the PhD examination process in Britain focuses on institutional policies and practices at 20 British universities. Finds that although there is a large degree of inter-institutional consistency regarding key criteria for the PhD award, close inspection of institutional policy suggests that the PhD examination is in fact…

Describes the application of the continuous quality improvement model, commonly associated with the business sector, to entry-level athletic training education programs accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. After discussing historical perspectives on athletic training education programs, the paper…

Combining standards with a differentiated curriculum for highly able learners accomplishes two goals: it provides rich, rigorous curricula for these students and meets state standards. This process can have a ripple effect by improving curricula for the entire school and by benefiting all students' learning. (MLH)

Discusses science education in the United States, which is in the midst of an unprecedented reform movement driven by national standards developed with support from the federal government. These standards are redefining the character of science education from kindergarten to the post-graduate education of scientists and science teachers. The new…

Discusses the "National Science Education Standards" released by the National Research Council in 1995, as it relates to teaching young children. Focuses on two areas: "Science Teaching Standards," how teachers should be facilitating scientific understanding in young children; and "Science Content Standards," what…